In a surprising move that has shaken Saudi sports circles, Al-Hilal, the Saudi Professional League champions, announced their agreement to loan their stalwart international defender Ali Al-Bulaihi to their arch-rivals Al-Shabab. Al-Hilal issued an official statement through their media channels on Sunday, confirming that the transfer will be a loan until the end of the current season, bringing to a temporary end, albeit temporarily, the player's illustrious career with the club.
This announcement marks one of the most significant deals of the winter transfer window in the Saudi Professional League, given Al-Bulaihi's prominent position as a key pillar of Al-Hilal's and the Saudi national team's defense in recent years. This season, he has participated in seven matches with Al-Hilal, providing one assist in 377 minutes of play, highlighting his importance to the team's tactical plans for the current season.
A career full of achievements with Al-Hilal
Ali Al-Bulaihi, 34, joined Al-Hilal in the summer of 2017 from Al-Fateh and quickly established himself as an indispensable part of the team. During his time with Al-Hilal, Al-Bulaihi contributed to numerous domestic and continental titles, most notably winning the AFC Champions League twice, in addition to several Saudi League titles, the King's Cup, and the Saudi Super Cup. He is known for his fighting spirit and leadership qualities on the pitch, making him a beloved figure among Al-Hilal fans and, at times, a controversial one.
Impact of the deal on both teams
Al-Bulaihi's transfer is expected to be a significant boost to Al-Shabab's defense, as the club seeks to strengthen its ranks and improve its results in the second half of the season. Al-Bulaihi's extensive experience and ability to handle high-stakes matches will provide the "White Lions" with a defensive solidity they have been lacking. On the other hand, his departure will leave a void in Al-Hilal's defense, and Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus will have to find a suitable replacement to maintain the stability of the team's back line, which is competing on all fronts both domestically and continentally. This move also opens the door to speculation about the player's future with Al-Hilal after his loan spell ends at the end of the season.
